Object of Rotary

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a
basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:

FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the
recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the
dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve
society;
THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and
peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons
united in the ideal of service.

The Four-Way Test

From the earliest days of the organization, Rotarians were concerned
with promoting high ethical standards in their professional lives. One
of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of business
ethics is The Four-Way Test, which was created in 1932 by Rotarian
Herbert J. Taylor (who later served as RI president) when he was asked
to take charge of a company that was facing bankruptcy.

This 24-word test for employees to follow in their business and
professional lives became the guide for sales, production, advertising,
and all relations with dealers and customers, and the survival of the
company is credited to this simple philosophy. Adopted by Rotary in
1943, The Four-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred
languages and published in thousands of ways. It asks the following four
questions:

“Of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?”

About The Rotary International Foundation: Paul Harris Fellowship

The Paul Harris Fellowship (PHF) is named for Paul Harris, who founded
Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. The
Fellowship was established in his honor in 1957 to express appreciation
for a contribution of $1,000 to the humanitarian and educational
programs of The Rotary Foundation.

Rotarians who contribute $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation receive a
commemorative certificate, a Paul Harris Fellow pin and a medallion.
Paul Harris Fellows who continue are awarded higher designations for
each $1,000 given. For example, if someone contributes $2,000, they
are acknowledged as a PHF+1. Rotarians who commit to giving $1,000
annually are inducted into the Paul Harris Society. Rotarians who
contribute $10,000 or more to the Foundation receive Major Donor status.

The Rotary Foundation supports an array of projects that save and
invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance
international friendship and understanding. Foundation programs provide
educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care,
immunizations and shelter for millions of persons. These activities are
funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around
the globe. Click here for more information on the Rotary Foundation and
the Paul Harris Fellowship.